Beermen, Hotshots dispute 2-1 lead

After a welcome six-day respite

MANILA, Philippines — Refreshed and recharged after a six-day break, San Miguel Beer and Magnolia are expected to go harder at each other in an Easter Sunday showdown where the crucial 2-1 lead is at stake at the resumption of their PBA Philippine Cup best-of-seven championship series tonight at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The titleholder remains the heavy favorite but the challenger is now more hopeful of a reversal after pulling off a win in the first two games of the series before getting a welcome rest.

“It’s a big thing for us we’re able to at least gain a win. Even as we lost Game Two, we’re upbeat because of the Game One win. Add to that the Holy Week break, and we’re getting back into action well-prepared mentally and physically,” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero.

The Beermen, meanwhile, hope to further assert their status as the series favorites, going for a follow-up to their 92-77 triumph in Game Two.

A number of flagrant and technical infractions have been committed, and emotions could still be high in Game Three set at 6:30 p.m.

In Game Two, San Miguel coach Leo Austria noted both teams were literally ready to fight in their grim determination to win the game.

The Beermen, however, imposed their superior skills and firepower, and went on to avenge their 103-105 defeat in Game One and thus send the game back to scratch.

Victolero, however, insists just splitting the first two games is a morale victory for his Hotshots.

“After winning Game One, it was tough for us to also win Game Two. We’re weary playing a game every other day since the quarterfinals. There’s also their bench which delivered in Game Two,” said Victolero.

“But with the break, we would have our legs back in Game Three,” added Victolero.

In preparation for Game Three, the Hotshots held just light practices from Wednesday to Saturday. But they were also together on Tuesday to witness the wedding of Rodney Brondial.

Brondial postponed his honeymoon to continue to play his role as among those being rotated to defend June Mar Fajardo.

“We’ll continue to put different defensive faces on June Mar. And we’ll do the same on their shooters. We have prepared a set of defensive schemes,” said Victolero.

As the Hotshots practically ganged up on Fajardo, the SMB gunners took charge, firing away 13 three-pointers in Game Two.

“Also a big key was Brian Heruela, Billy Mamaril and Matt Ganuela-Rosser combining for 20 bench points for their team,” said Victolero.

In Game One, the SMB starters combined for all but one of the team’s 103-point output.

Austria is getting warier of Magnolia.

“Magnolia is a strong contender and they are really hungry to win a championship. It’s only a matter of time they would already catch up on us. Good thing, we have June Mar (Fajardo). They’re already finding ways to stop him, but we keep on adjusting,” said Austria.